Mission Beach
is the center of a continuous stretch of beach known as
The Strand, which extends over two miles, beginning at
the Mission Bay channel entrance and ending at the north
end of Pacific Beach. The Strand is the most popular
beach area in the City of San Diego and draws large
crowds in summer.
A somewhat
narrow cement boardwalk parallel's the entire beach.
Walking, biking, bicycling, and related activities are
permitted on the boardwalk, but speed is regulated and
must be kept to eight miles per hour or less. Cycles
with more than two wheels are not permitted except for
use by the disabled. At all times, people must use
caution and courtesy in using the boardwalk. Various
shops, restaurants, and beach rental outfits surround
the Mission Beach lifeguard station, at the foot of
Ventura Street beside a landmark roller coaster. The
north end of Mission Beach is bordered by residential
properties, but there are some stores available on
Mission Boulevard, a block or so from the beach.
Lifeguards are
staffed daily year round at the main lifeguard station
at the foot of Ventura Place. In summer, additional
lifeguards are staffed along the beach in seasonal
lifeguard towers. Lifeguards are generally on duty from
9:00 a.m. to dusk; but check with lifeguards for
specific staff hours. This beach has separate water
areas reserved for swimming and surfing. Check with
lifeguards for details. Surfing is permitted at this
beach in designated areas. This beach is not recommended
for scuba diving due to lack of undersea life, heavy
water activity, and surf.
Mission Beach is
popular for bicycling, roller blading, swimming,
surfing, and volleyball. The boardwalk is a popular
place to see people, especially at night. A party can
usually be found somewhere on a Friday or Saturday night
and as the atmosphere is charged at Belmont Park. This
is where Big Dipper Roller Coaster twists and turns not
far from the water's edge, and The Plunge swimming pool
creates a splash on wild, wet side. Then there's the
4,600-acre Mission Bay Park, a constant parade of foot
traffic and water sports.
There's a long
history of merry-making in this region. Home to Tent
City in the early 1920's. J. M. Asher is credited with
creating a place where people could spend the summer
right on the beach at Mission Beach. People liked the
idea of living at the beach so much, that they stayed
there - permanently. They built houses and created their
own community within the bounds of San Diego. That
community has survived with its own atmosphere and
community pride, though it is a part of the City of San
Diego. And, while San Diego is home to some of the
world's most affluent people, it is also a resting
ground for down and outers. On our tour of California
cities and beaches, we do occasionally see some hardship
along the way.
The bay side,
home of the Mission Bay Aquatic Center and Mission Bay
Golf Course, is popular for jet skiing, windsurfing and
sailing while the beach side supports sunbathing,
swimming and surfing. Also included is the upscale
neighborhood of Crown Point and Fiesta Island, site of
the annual Over-The-Line tournament, a three-person
softball game. One of San Diego's most famous
attraction, Sea World, is tucked into Mission Bay's
southeastern corner and the city's official visitor
center is on the east side.
Public
restrooms and showers are located at the foot of Ventura
Street at the lifeguard station and at the south side of
Belmont Park, and at the commercial mall adjacent to the
Mission Beach lifeguard station. The boardwalk is
accessible to wheelchairs and provides an excellent
viewpoint of the beach. A special beach wheelchair,
which requires an attendant, is generally kept at the
main lifeguard station and available on a first come,
first served basis at no charge.
Containers for
beach fires are generally provided during summer months
and available on a first come, first served basis. The
burning of rubbish is prohibited. Only wood, charcoal,
or paper products may be used as fuel. Fuel for the fire
may not exceed a height of more than twelve inches above
the upper edge of the fire container. The fire must be
extinguished before leaving the beach. Open beach fires
outside containers are prohibited at all San Diego
beaches.
Alcohol may not
be consumed on the boardwalk, on or against the seawall,
in any park adjacent to the beach, or in the parking
lots. Alcohol may be consumed on the beach from 12:00
noon to 8:00 p.m. so long as persons are not touching
the seawall.
Take Interstate
5 to Grand Avenue. Follow it west to Mission Boulevard.
Take Mission Boulevard south the roller coaster at West
Mission Bay Drive. Call San Diego Transit at (619)
233-3004 for buses that serve this beach. Extensive free
public parking is available on the north and south side
of Belmont Park, and at the foot of West Mission Bay
Drive. There is additional parking in two lots across
the street adjacent to Bonita Cove. These lots fill very
quickly on busy summer days and traffic can be heavy at
times.
The basic rule
of thumb is that any gathering of over 75 people
requires a permit from the Park and Recreation
Department. A permit is also required for a wedding,
water event, athletic event, voice and/or music
amplification, or use of special setup equipment (such
as an inflatable party jump, dunk tank, canopy, etc.)
For permit information call Coastline Parks at (619)
221-8901.
Alcohol may not
be consumed on the boardwalk, on or against the seawall,
in any park adjacent to the beach, or in the parking
lots. Alcohol may be consumed on the beach from 12:00
noon to 8:00 p.m. so long as persons are not touching
the seawall.
Take Interstate
5 to Sea World Drive. Follow the signs to West Mission
Bay Drive. Turn left on Mission Blvd. At the south end
of Mission Blvd. turn right into the parking lot.
Extensive free public parking is available at the south
end of the beach. This lot fills very quickly on busy
summer days and traffic can be heavy at times.
